These Are the 9 Best Primers for Smoothing Fine Lines, According to Makeup Artists

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Think of primers as built-in Instagram filters for your face. There are a variety of formulas out there for different skin types, but if you're looking for a primer specifically to help fill in fine lines and prep skin for makeup, it can be difficult to identify the right one. Your perfect primershould be thin enough to appear natural, but powerful enough to mask the appearance of crow’s-feet, deep-set smile lines, and more. To find out which formula is best for delivering a flawless, even base, we asked professional makeup artists which primers they keep in their kits. Below, nine of their favorites.

1

tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer

Sephora

"This primer is like a soft focus lens. I use this over makeup to smooth, but a lot of people use it under and then lay a foundation on top."—Mickey Williams, New York City-based makeup artist and founder of Share the Glam

2

Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer

Sephora

"This primer is one of my all-time favorites because it leaves the skin with a silk finish and it works on any skin type, young or of age. The formulation isn’t heavy and therefore it’s perfect for people with fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it’s clear, so it doesn’t leave any form of discoloration on the skin."—Stephany Andujar, New York City-based makeup artist and MSA model

3

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

Walgreens

"This primer not only smooths pores, it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Living up to its name, 'Baby Skin', the primer gives you a youthful glow and your makeup a rosy boost right from the start. This beauty must-have is also easy on the wallet—it's under $10."—Jami Svay, North Carolina-based makeup artist and author of The BEAUTY-Full Guide: Quick and Easy Makeup Tips for Today's Woman ($8; amazon.com)

4

Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum

Sephora

"Thanks to the primer-serum hybrid formula, this product will soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating the skin with nourishing oils."—LaToshia Ross, New York City-based makeup artist

5

Demarché Labs Roloxin Lift Gold Mask

Sephora

"I actually love to use this face mask as a primer to prep skin for makeup application. It works like a matrix underneath skin to fill in fine lines and hold skin taut and firm. It lifts for up to 24 hours and is considered the temporary red carpet facelift in a packet. The gold actually casts a glowy tint on skin for radiance."—Williams

6

Covergirl True Blend Primer for Combo Skin

Walgreens

"This drugstore option helps makeup last longer by normalizing oily areas of the face and moisturizing dry zones. This is important because frequently touching up powder in an attempt to control shine can accentuate lines as makeup settles into them. Plus, dehydration lines can make skin look more tired than plump moisturized skin. This primer addresses both of those issues."—Andrew Sotomayor, New York City-based makeup artist

7

YSL Beauty Touche Eclat Blur Primer

Sephora

"This primer is so beautiful and can be used for all skin types. It smooths out pores, fine lines, and any small imperfections while giving skin that natural dewiness without looking and feeling oily. I usually apply a thin layer or two, let it soak into the skin for couple of minutes before proceeding with the makeup."–Min Min Ma, New York City-based makeup artist

8

NYX High Definition Primer

Walgreens

"This is a water-based primer that minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. It’s perfect for those times when one has to wear foundation for long periods, but wants hydration. It’s also great for pics!"—LaToshia Ross, New York City-based makeup artist

9

La Mer The Perfecting Treatment

Nordstrom

"This is my favorite primer. The blurring technology softens the appearances of fine lines and pores as soon as you put it on, and unlike straight-up silicone primers, this is actually skincare that makes your skin look better, even without makeup."–Sotomayor